ICONIC Beano comic character Dennis the Menace joined MSP Mark McDonald to launch a campaign highlighting the benefits to children of free and creative play.
The Away and Play year-long campaign is backed by Inspiring Scotland, an independent charity tackling long-term social problems.
It will highlight the benefits of free and unstructured play in encouraging imagination, promoting risk-taking, improving health and helping children collaborate.
Inspiring Scotland cite global studies which suggest that play helps children as they grow up and can lead to more innovative, entrepreneurial and caring societies.
The campaign directly supports the ambitions of Scotland’s National Play Strategy and the work of Scotland’s national play body – Play Scotland and the Play Council Members. Since 2017 is the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, Away and Play will also work with partners such as Historic Environment Scotland and the Forestry Commission to provide parents with ideas for for year-round, all-weather outdoor play in Scotland and encourage them to allow their children to play in a less structured and more imaginative way.
Mark McDonald, Minister for Childcare and Early years, said: “I am delighted to be launching Away and Play this morning to highlight and promote the easy ways we can make active outdoor play a part of everyday in Scotland.
“We know that active outdoor play has significant and far reaching benefits on children’s health, wellbeing and academic achievement. And playing doesn’t need expensive equipment or facilities, just outdoor space.”
“Through away and play we’re aiming to get everyone across Scotland back outside and playing in Scotland’s natural playground.
“So let’s unplug the computer and open the back door.”
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